The Briarhoppers

Yes, the Briarhoppers has made it for 84 years, making it the longest-lived bluegrass band and possibly the longest-continuing string band. The Briarhoppers started in 1934. The Chuckwagon Gang started in 1935. Happy birthday to all those who have been in the band.

The WBT Briarhoppers’ Alana Flowers and Tom Warlick are pleased to announce that Zach Lemhouse and Joe Cline have been added to the band.

Fiddlin’ Zach Lemhouse is from the upcountry of South Carolina and has over 20 years of experience with bands such as Whippoorwill String Band, Easy Pickin's Bluegrass Band, Cottonwood Bluegrass Band, The Buford Brothers old time string band, Quarter House, The Dunder Chiefs, and th...e Truck Stop Preachers, and has opened up for and performed with musicians such as Russell Moore and Third Tyme Out, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Jack Lawrence and country music legend Tim McGraw. Zach is also a teacher within the York County (SC) School System,

Charlottean Joe Cline joins the band as their singer and guitarist, and will assist with mandolin and bass. He has a long history in Charlotte country music; he spent over thirty-five years as guitarist and lead singer of the Kilocycle Kowboys, one of the area’s seminal bluegrass bands that opened for Riders In The Sky and backed county music legends Lulu Belle and Scotty on numerous occasions. He also was a member of Magpye, a local Celtic band, Country Matters, The Red Ball Ranch Hands, and the Dirt Creek Band. Joe has been friends with the Briarhoppers since the days of Don White, Whitey and Hogan, and Shannon Grayson. Many will remember Joe as the announcer for several radio shows on WNCW-Spindale and his work during the formative years at Charlotte's Festival in the Park.

The WBT Briarhoppers formed in 1934 and are the world’s longest-continuing bluegrass band, winning the NC Folk Heritage Award, The Artists Music Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and are members of the WBT Radio Hall of Fame. The North Carolina Legislature recognized the band with “NC Resolution 2007-51, House Joint Resolution 2058 Honoring the WBT Briarhoppers.” The band is members of IBMA and The Charlotte Folk Society, and are Merlefest Artists.

Gibson and Warlick also plan to announce one or two more additions to the band in the near future.

We have a photo from Maureen DaVolce, daughter of the first Briarhopper Charles Crutchfield hired, Johnny McAllister! This photo is from the 1960s, a few years before he died. More information about him will be shared in the publication of the revised Briarhopper book.

The Briarhoppers performed at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, NC, at the book signing of Jerry Shinn's new book, "Voice of Our Time - Charles Crutchfield." Left to right is Zach Lemhouse, Tom Warlick, and Alana Flowers. Joe Cline is seen outside talking up the band. ﻿

The band will perform once again at The Feed & Seed in Fletcher, NC on June 7th, starting at 7PM!

If you have not been there before, The Feed and Seed is a restored feed and seed store in downtown Fletcher and is now one of the places to perform in western North Carolina. Bands play, people dance, all in a family-friendly atmosphere! Check out their site and come up the mountain to see us!http://www.feedandseednc.com/

One of the first birthday presents to the Briarhoppers was an invite to perform at Merlefest.
Sharing the same stages as The Kruger Brothers, Peter Rowan, T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, David Holt, The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, and many others, the BHoppers performed 3 sets on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Approximately 80,000 people attended the festival.

Merlefest began in 1988 to honor the memory of Merle Watson, Doc Watson's son who died in a tractor accident in 1985. The festival was to be a one-time event to raise money for a garden at Wilkes Community College but became a huge success. The festival is considered one of the largest Americana/bluegrass/old-time music festivals in the world.

We thank Merlefest staff, including Steve Johnson, who treated us and all of the bands royally and we thank all of our fans for coming to our shows!

Arthur Smith, a star in his own right, was a part-time member of the Briarhoppers, being on the radio show with the band and performing on the road. He was with the Briarhoppers as both joined the WBT Hall of Fame in 2007. He rests at Magnolia Memorial Gardens at Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC.

Per Don White, it 80 years ago, March 1, 1934,when a call was made to WBT radio wondering if the station had a "hillbilly" band to promote its products. Since the day that Charles H. Crutchfield lied to get the business, the following are celebrating 80 years as a family:

Throughout the decades, The Briarhoppers has entertained many a folk and many a soldier during its 79 Christmases. Alana, Hannah, Dillon, Ellie, and Tom wish you a grand Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. Thank you for your support in 2013; 2014 has more to come!

The Briarhopper members give condolences to the family of Kate Drye Mangum, sister to WBT radio star and BHopper member Homer Drye (Homer A. Briarhopper) and who, in her own right, was a legendary NC musician.

From her obituary:

She was the daughter of Benton and Lunora Drye, mother of Saundra M. Little of New Salem and Larry Mangum of Jacksonville, Florida (wife Christy), and grandmother of Brad Little, Tess Mangum Ocana, Tyra Little Harmon, Jesse Mangum, and Caitlin Mangum. She also was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Yago and Nicolas Ocana.

Mrs. Mangum was born on the banks of Richardson Creek, near New Salem, in 1926, and lived within a quarter mile of her birthplace until the day of her death. She and her 7 brothers and sisters were all taught by their father to play stringed instruments, and at age 9, she and her older siblings were offered an opportunity to join a traveling road show. At their father's request, they chose to come back home and remain loyal to their land and family, although her brother Homer became a founding member of the well-known band called the "Briarhoppers," a rendition of which survives to this very day.

Her love of music lives on through the many students she taught, including her son Larry, her grandson Brad, and country music star Randy Travis.

To her son Larry Briarhopper and his family, we are sad for your loss; Homer must be a happy soul right now.

The Legendary Briarhoppers will perform at North America's premier music festival, Merlefest!

Tentatively, the band will play three shows on April 26, 2014, at the festival which is located on the campus of Wilkes Community College, North Wilkesboro, NC.

2014 will be the band's 80th year in entertainment and we are proud to be a part of this super-duper festival!

The Briarhoppers was a favorite band of Doc Watson, who started Merlefest in memory of his son, Merle Eddy Watson. When interviewed for the book, "The WBT Briarhoppers: Eight Decades of a Bluegrass Band Made For Radio (McFarland, publishers)," Doc Watson said the following:

"When I was at the NC School of the Blind, a friend of mine snuck in a radio and we would listen to the Briarhoppers on WBT...that and the sound of the train passing by made the day better."

"When I was a kid, The Briarhoppers were performing in Boone, NC. I sat on the sidewalk and played for money. I heard a quarter hit my can. My friend next to me said, 'Do you know who put that quarter in? Whitey Grant of The Briarhoppers.' Later on in the 1980s, I was playing at a festival and The Briarhoppers was there. I had someone get Whitey and have him come to the trailer where I was. When Whitey came in, I pulled out that same quarter and said, 'Remember this? I bet you want this quarter now!" Whitey said 'I think we made a fine investment in your career!'"

The Briarhopper Band is happy and honored to have been invited to Doc's country.

The NC Bluegrass Pavilion presented the band this certificate after our performance on the NC Pavilion Stage at IBMA in Raleigh. Only 28 Carolina-based bluegrass bands received this honor. The BHoppers would like to thank the Pavilion and Merlefest for sponsoring us at the 2013 World of Bluegrass!

Through a sponsorship from Merlefest, The Briarhoppers performed on the NC Bluegrass Pavilion Stage at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh on Sept 28, 2013. We were happy to have Tess Ocana (Larry Mangum's daughter) and niece of Homer Drye, running the show and having Steve Johnson from Merlefest helping us out. What was fun was the surprise audience guests who showed up...The Ellis Family that grew up with Tom Briarhopper! We had a great time and thanks again to Merlefest and the NC Bluegrass Pavilion for letting us perform!

The Legendary Briarhoppers!

In 1934, a potential advertiser called WBT's Charles Crutchfield to ask if the station had a hillbilly band to help advertise its products. Telling a fib, Crutch said "Yes," which led to the birth of the Briarhoppers. The name comes from WBT announcer Bill Bivens who, during a hunting trip with Crutch, was startled by a rabbit jumping out of a thicket, and Bill yelled, "Look at that briarhopper!" At that moment, Crutch found the name for his hillbilly band.

The original band members were Johnny McAllister, Big Bill Davis, Don White, Thorpe Westerfield, Clarence Etters, and Jane Bartlett. The last original 1934 Briarhopper, Don White, died in 2003. Billie Burton Daniel, who joined the group in 1936, is happy and well in Wilmington, NC. Since that time, The Briarhoppers' fans are/were Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs (who filled in on banjo a few times), Curly Seckler, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and many other entertainment stars.

In keeping with the tradition, the band kept going through the years by adding new musicians to those who left the station or who died. Today, Alana Flowers and Tom Warlick head the band with their stage show including the old Briarhopper songs, new songs, and the original scripted commercials of Peruna, Kolor-Bak, Zymole Trokeys, and Radio Girl Perfume! Enjoy this site and learn about the Briarhoppers' storied past and the bright future that is ahead. Don't turn that dial...Hit's Briarhopper Time!

The Band's Digital Media Platform!

Click on http://wbtbriarhopperpresskit.blogspot.com/ to view contact, press, publishing, and historical information. This is designed as a tool to assist festivals, sponsors, and individuals wanting entertainment for a private gathering.

Tom Briarhopper Discusses the Golden Age of Charlotte Radio!

We've installed a hit counter...please visit this site often and run it up!

Comments from The WBT Briarhopper Family!

"I am so glad that Tom Warlick keeps the Briar Hoppers living on. He is amazing! Has found pictures and write ups, some I never even saw before, of the original cast, pictures that were in radio magazines and newspapers, pictures of us on calendars which Drug Trade Products, our sponsors, sent out to loyal listeners every year, and even more amazing pictures of the products which we advertized.

"Tom Warlick and the present day Briar Hoppers still perform, still carry on what has become a tradition in the Queen City and the old North State.

"So, the Briar Hoppers still go on. Thank you." - Billie Burton Daniel, who joined the WBT Briarhoppers in 1936 and still kicks it today!

"As grandson to Banjo player Shannon Grayson of The Briarhoppers - I'm so happy to see Tom and the Briarhopper Family keeping this wonderful music and culture alive ! The world could really use a good dose of wholesome these days - and hits Briarhopper Time!" - Greg Thomas

"So glad you have heard from Thorpe's daughter. He was one of the first Briarhoppers so it is good that we have her. It is so good to have folks from the original group. I was so young at the time but I remember going to the studio and watching them play and Daddy talked about everyone on the show. I was proud of him then and I am still proud of him and am glad they have a group too keep the Briarhoppers alive. Keep working Tom." -Shirley McLellan, Daughter of Original Briarhopper Big Bill Davis

All Known WBT Briarhoppers (with * meaning he or she is still around!)

Be the first person on your block to wear these quality, screenprinted T-shirts!

One of a Few Recordings from the 1934-1940 Briarhoppers

Check out this site. "I Am Just As I Am" was recorded at Decca in Charlotte on February 15, 1937. "Mr. McKinley" was recorded on July 9, 1938 at Decca in Charlotte. Recording notes only mention Homer for the first song, but mentions Homer Brierhopper on vocals and guitar, Big Bill Davis on fiddle, and Johnny McAllister on guitar on the second song. Billie Briarhopper Burton Daniel said she remembered when the three of them slipped off to do some recording in Charlotte. No doubt that the two songs had the same performers. Too cool to hear two of the really original BHoppers...Davis and McAllister. They had some zing, by granny! Go to the below site. "I Am Just As I Am" will appear. Play it. Then hit "next song" to hear "Mr. McKinley." Enjoy!

NC House Bill Honoring the WBT Briarhoppers!

The WBT Briarhoppers at the Levine Museum of the New South

If you have not been to the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, go and see the permanent exhibit that includes pictures, recordings, and stuff from the BHoppers! Shown here are stage clothing from Whitey Grant (blue) and Fred Kirby (red). Take some time and check this and other great exhibits at the Levine. Tell Tom Hanchett "hello" when you are there.

To purchase T-shirts printed with the logos of Crazy Water Crystals, Peruna, Kolor-Bak, or Zymole Trokeys, email your request to tomwarlick@hotmail.com. T-shirts are $15.00.

Wear the Coolest T-Shirt Available!

Show your pride with this quality-made, screen printed T-shirt. This unofficial logo is round, like an old mic, the letters are in an old Royal typewriter font, and it is too cool. If you are interested in one, please email tomwarlick@hotmail.com. Many colors to choose from!

Billie Burton Daniel has a book!

In 1936, Charles Crutchfield hired two children to be a part of the WBT Briarhopper's radio show: Billie Burton and Homer Drye. Billie lives in Wilmington, NC, and has a new book out! "Sweetheart of the Carolinas" was just published and Billie is having book signings throughout coastal NC. Billie is the "longest-lived Briarhopper," one of three surviving members of the 1930's edition of the Briarhoppers (the others being Martin Schopp/Tex Martin and Eleanor Bryan Fields), and was a huge help in the making of "The WBT Briarhoppers: Eight Decades of a Bluegrass Band Made For Radio." Congratulations, Billie (real name Willie)! For order information, go to www.catpavpublishing.com .

Y'all know what 'hit is? 'Hit's Briarhopper Time!

* The WBT Briarhoppers is a copyright made by this site's administrator to protect the WBT Briarhopper name.